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OFFICIAL: Saints complete the signing of Sofiane Boufal

Sofiane Boufal has signed a five-year deal after moving from Lille for a club record fee.

Southampton have confirmed the signing of Sofiane Boufal on a five-year deal.

Weeks of speculation over the Moroccan attacking midfielder have now come to an end, with Saints striking a deal with Lille which is understood to be worth in the region of £21m.

Boufal, 22, was born in Paris but elected to play for Morocco - the nation of his parents.

He was Lille's top scorer last season, scoring 12 goals in all competitions.

Boufal was named African Footballer of the Year in Ligue 1 last season and joins Saints with a reputation as a highly-talented and coveted youngster.

Executive Director of Football Les Reed said:

"I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Sofiane to Southampton Football Club.

"He has shown his undoubted qualities in France over the past few seasons, and we are extremely confident he will successfully adapt to life in the Premier League.

"Sofiane is a player we have watched develop closely over the last few years, and we’re thrilled to have him join the club ahead of what promises to be a very exciting season, with Europa League football on the horizon.

"His excellent campaign with Lille last season meant a number of clubs were pursuing him to secure his services, but we’re delighted that Sofiane sees Southampton as the best place for him to continue his development.

"Saints fans may have to wait for a few weeks yet to see him demonstrate his skills, as Sofiane had a delayed start to his pre-season training and will be working very hard with our fitness staff to get up to full match fitness.

"At just 22 years of age, he will undoubtedly continue to improve as a player, and we’re very pleased that he will be able to make that progression with us here at Southampton."